“Painting was a way to save myself during Mort’s long illness,” Marcy Friedman says. “I knew if I didn’t so something, I’d sink along with him.”

Artist Friedman is describing the palliative effects painting had for her while caring for her ailing husband, renowned Sacramento philanthropist Mort Friedman, who passed away in 2012. During this time, Friedman returned to her love of painting—she hadn’t picked up a paintbrush in 42 years—and the result is her first solo (and aptly named) art show “Life Lines,” on display at the Alex Bult Gallery April 8 through May 3.

Friedman had set aside her inner artist years ago as an art minor during her years at Stanford University. Upon meeting her husband, Friedman decided to focus on raising their family, growing their business and giving as much as she could to various causes.

More than four decades after ending her artistic studies, the prolific painter has returned to her studio—and the outcome is breathtaking. Meet Friedman and get a sneak peek of her work at the preview on Thursday, April 10 from 6–8 p.m. or at the artist reception on Saturday, April 12 from 6–9 p.m.

For more information, call (916) 476-5540 or visit alexbultgallery.com. The Alex Bult Gallery is located at 1114 21st St., Suite B.